Blog

Coping with Fatigue from Depression

Depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Changes in mood, behavior, appetite, and cognitions happen with someone who is struggling with depression. These changes can make a person become fatigued and lethargic which is one of the main differences that becomes noticeable.

Fatigue is detrimental to someone who has battled with depression. Once a person is depressed they tend to withdraw socially and from activities that they once deemed enjoyable. Endurance and energy levels start changing once depression starts becoming even more prominent. This individual will start isolating and keep their bodies from being stimulated in the healthy fashion that it needs with physical movement. Without the body operating with normal function, the person becomes more depressed and more fatigued connecting the two circuitously.

There are many things that fatigued directly affects especially with someone with depression. Everything slows down when depression is present. Motor skills can become decelerated which makes people more sluggish in even the most typically active person. Not being able to function in the way they have in the past can affect a person’s confidence and morale.

Fatigue can become an overwhelming part of depression although a few adjustments to an individual’s life can make the difference in making them feel healthier.

Changes in diet

Food is meant to be energy for the body. If the diet consists mostly of excessive sugar and simple carbohydrates, the blood sugar will be higher than it needs to be making them feel listless. Eating food rich in nutrients and vitamins that provide energy are the best options for someone with depression.

Regulate sleep

Set a time to wake and a time to go to bed. Having a schedule to abide by can help to keep a person from staying in bed too long and getting out to do more productive things with their time.

Exercise regularly

Getting your blood flowing can help to balance a person’s mood by increasing nerve cell growth in the hippocampus of the brain which oversees improving the state of the mind.

Seeking professional help is recommended when trying to deal with the symptoms of depression. Onset depression can be diagnosed with the help of a health care professional. The brain’s chemistry can be better regulated sometimes with medication and working with a therapist can help work out the feelings that can be intensified during depression.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs and alcohol, Serenity Oaks Wellness Center can assist you in learning how to stay sober one day at time. With our holistic therapy and 12-Step aspects we can help someone struggling with addiction to adorn their soul in recovery.